Re: [IRCA] Cuban call signs (was: AM BCB Loggings.............

["W. Curt Deegan" <WWWR@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Allowing that there was a mistake in the call sign listed in the posting 
that began this thread and acknowledging the common practice of using call 
signs in reports, I must say I do not see much reason to include call signs 
for Cuban stations, IMHO.

Only a handful of Cubans even acknowledge call signs in their on-line web 
material, when it exists, let alone use them on the air.  Reporting them 
therefore, is by definition a compromise if not a stretch.  The only place 
Cuban call signs commonly appear is in the WRTH -- or lists derived 
therefrom -- and those are usually based on historical data not current 
realities.  Even less meaningful are the entries in the FCC database 
because they are based on the official listings filed by Cuba, which has no 
interest in providing accurate information to international governing bodies.

Since Cuban stations hop about on a whim, the only sure things are the 
frequency and network being carried, as are actually heard.  Unless it has 
been DFed, even the location is a bit of an uncertainty, again most often 
based on WRTH entries.  Though facilities move far less frequently than do 
frequencies and networks carried, Cuban broadcast facilities have been 
noted elsewhere from listed.  Still, location as best determined, is a 
third valuable component for identifying stations received.

Another largely meaningless piece of information is the power listed for 
stations.  At best an historical presumption, since this also changes as 
the need arises, such as to blot out Florida and other SS 
stations.  Witness the recent coming and going of powerful Cuban stations 
on 530 and 1620 to block Radio Marti.

Not to take cheap shots at WRTH, most of it entries are as accurate as is 
reasonably possible.  But call signs just don't mean anything in Cuba 
anymore.  Using them is less meaningful than would be sequence numbers from 
some list.

Since the same call sign may appear on more than one station listing, even 
using them for reference purposes is only marginally useful.  But, if a 
call sign MUST be assigned, for 870 RR it would be CMDT.  A call sign 
listed in the '06 WRTH, I would note, on two different frequencies, 
carrying two different networks, in two different cities, in two different 
provinces, in two different regions on the island.

As I say, only the frequency and network as heard by the DXer are 
certain.  In this instance though, the location has not been found to be 
substantially different from that listed in WRTH.

Not to fault Robert either, everyone seems to fall into using listed call 
signs, doing this out of the expectation they mean something.  It just 
isn't the case in the Castros' Cuba.

As an example, if someone reported hearing Radio Reloj on 950, I too would 
ask for more detail -- since I can hear two at the same time -- and would 
have to accept the WRTH location as delineation since neither have a call 
sign listed at all.  The only better reference would be something such as 
observed direction, were that available.  And even that is only accurate 
enough to discern different stations when taken relatively near the source, 
not something DXers are generally able to do.

My personal listing of Cubans is by frequency and network, with best 
estimate of location.  Location either as shown in WRTH or when available, 
from directional observations by myself or the several far more experienced 
DXers located here in Florida, or the occasional results of cruise-by 
observations.

I bring all this up by way of discussion for those who may not be aware of 
the vagaries of Cuban radio, rather than to argue about what is proper form 
for DXers in general, or to take issue with any particular report.

Everything else aside, 870 RR Sancti Spiritus, is still a nice catch for 
Robert in Ontario.

Curt
-------
W. Curt Deegan
Boca Raton, (southeast) Florida


At 02:45 PM 9/2/2006, you wrote:

>The owners of CHML 900 in Hamilton ON must be pretty
>peeved with Castro for this...
>
>--- Robert Ross <va3sw@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>  All of these Logs are made with the DRAKE R8B and an
>  80 Meter Dipole
>
>  870    CHML Radio Reloj  Sancti Spiritus, CUBA
>  Aug/28   0036
>  EDT     SS     VG
>  Male with News Items in SS. Clock Ticks and "RR" in
>  CW on Minute.
>  NEW STN.
>  ROSS, ONT.


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